VANCOUVERITES: Eleven Minutes With Chef Owen Lightly Of “Butter On The Endive”

(photo: Michael Sider) Owen Lightly is as good a guy as they come. A quintessential British Columbian (not many people have a spring salmon tattooed on their forearm), he was raised on Gabriola Island and formally trained in Nanaimo before working his way through many of our kitchens – among them West, Au Petit Chavignol, Araxi, Market – before going into business for himself. Today, he runs his own catering business, which is named after his popular food blog, Butter On The Endive (kitchen code for “a good looking woman just entered the restaurant”). As regular readers are aware, he has contributed to Scout as a food writer in the past, but you’ll be happy to learn that he is about to launch a regular column on these pages called A Pound of Butter. In advance of its debut, we thought it prudent to ask a few questions of him, for you…

Your first memory? Campbell’s Tomato Soup.

Your ancestry? Welsh and Scottish.

The three books that you read that made an impact on you in your formative years? The Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman; Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres (the movie was terrible!); Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson.

Your favourite word? Caramelize.

Your favourite curse word? Fuck.

Your major character flaw? Neuroticism.

The character flaw in others that you can’t abide? Not delivering what was promised.

The first three things that you do every morning? The three s’s.

What are you listening to as you answer these questions? Feist’s new album, Metals.

Your role model? Growing up I had a neighbour named Laurie. He was about the same age as my parents and always gave me the straight goods. He wasn’t afraid to drop some heavy philosophical shit on me from time to time as well, which never hurts.

Three things about your Mt. Pleasant that make you want to live there: Good restaurants and bars within spitting distance; I can see the mountains when I wake up and there’s lots of cool, creative people doing their thing.

What is the thing you’d like to change about Vancouver? More open spaces for people to congregate.

The Vancouverite that you admire most and why? Brad Miller (owner of the The Red Wagon) for showing me you can be successful in this business on your own terms. Read more

Five Minutes With Damian Van Zyll De Jong, Vancouverite And Creator Of Native Shoes

All the kids are wearing them. In fact, this season Native Shoes have reached an unprecedented level of cool in the EVA-foam-injected slip-on shoe world: the Fall 2011 limited edition Jimmy boot was designed by Marc Jacobs! Beat that, Crocs! Local boy Damian Van Zyll De Jong founded the company in 2009 with the help of his friend Matthew Penner. As the PR says, “as the visionary behind the Native brand, Damian sparked a footwear revolution, and his unyielding passion continues to propel the brand forward.” Scout stole five minutes of Damian’s time to ask him a few questions and this is what we got:

When did you know Native was really going to happen? When I started doing it.

Some folks describe Natives as Crocs for cool people. What do you think about that? Everything is everything.

Most mind-blowingly satisfying celebrity/Native pairing? Obama’s daughter.

When you see someone in your neighbourhood wearing your footwear, what goes through your mind?Amazing!

What is it about West Vancouver that makes you want to live there: The Mountains for sure.

Architectural style that you most identify with: Fave architect is Ai Weiwei.

Three words that describe the vibe of your current living space: Open, organic and free!

What inspires you? People who do things well.

Describe your favourite photograph: It’s a Tim Barber photo of a friend of mine standing on a diving board over the edge of a cliff.

Default drink: Carrot, Ginger, Apple.

When you can’t sleep: I text my employees.

Favourite place to see live music: A backyard.

Cheap place for dinner: The Fridge. Read more

INTERVIEW: “Ironic Sans” Chats With Steven Sasson, The Inventor of the Digital Camera

“I shot him in October at Kodak’s headquarters in Rochester, just a couple weeks before President Obama awarded him the National Medal of Technology. When he initially mentioned that the first digital camera held 30 pictures, I assumed that was due to the storage capacity of the digital tape. It was really interesting to hear that he picked 30 as an artificial limitation, and his explanation why” (via).

50 Questions With Randy Gaudreau, First Lord Of The Wood At Gastown’s “Shebeen”

Chances are if you’ve ever tied one on at Gastown’s kickass Shebeen in the rear of the Irish Heather, it was veteran whisky slinger Randy Gaudreau who helped you with your laces. It’s usually his job to listen, but this time it’s yours…

Three things about your neighbourhood that make you want to live there?

Well, I live over in the Broadway-Granville or South Granville area which is pretty great in terms of getting around because its easy enough to get downtown, or over to Commercial or Main. There’s great spots around like Salade Des Fruits, Vij’s, West, The Ouisi Bistro and now Go Fish! which I”m happy about and others – which is helpful because there’s nothing really else around but shoe stores and horribly pricey – yet gourmet groceries. And because of the easy to get around aspect – I don’t have a car to do big grocery runs sadly. I love cooking!

The thing that you eat that is bad for you that you will never stop eating:

Easy. Chips and pop. Not the French Fry variety – I’m talking Ruffles, Old Dutch, Miss Vickies etc.. All about the Tim’s plain Old Fashioned right now. Plain and really crunchy is the way to go. As for pop – I flip between diet no caffeine colas. Love to have one without aspartame. That worries me.

Default drink/cocktail of choice?

Just one? Hmm. Kinda torn between the Boulevardier and variations of, as well as a good Old Fashioned. Guess I like my chips like I like my drinks. Generally, any classic whisk(e)y cocktail that involves a touch of depth and a orange twist and I’m a happy camper.

Drink/cocktail you’ll never have again?

A vodka soda. Can’t remember if I ever have had one. But if I did, I’ll never do it again. Promise.

The Vancouverite that you admire most?

Right now, Rob Brown – the CTV journalist that went out and covered the game seven riots. Watching him work his way through those people made me say – “I don’t know if I could do that without losing it.” And he didn’t. I admire that.

What is your favourite word?

“Twit.” If I ever get cranky, I’ll generally call myself or anyone else a twit and it always makes me laugh.

What is your least favourite word?

“Enjoy.” I don’t know why. I think it’s just the way it’s said, or the way the word is made up. It just seems like a really pretentious word to me. I don’t enjoy “enjoy.”

Your favourite curse word?

Curse words for me are kind of a like a random lottery. There’s many words that can result from a need to curse for me. French, English, various other languages. As far as PG ones, “Living Lord” came out one day, and I’ve been using that pretty frequently. As for rated “R” ones, nothing beats the old classics.

The cliche that you overuse?

“Fair enough.”

The wildest place you’ve ever been to?

A completely cliché watering hole bar in Missoula, Montana. I swear it was the penultimate, proto-typical Cowboy shack of a bar at three in the afternoon with a capacity of, like, 20 people max. Toothless guy playing a bucket and a string, one haggard girl working the room and the boys at the bar, another dude falling off his chair and howling laughing; all in the span of the two minutes it took me to walk in in hip waders, order a tray of six rum and cokes in styrofoam cups to-go like a drive through and leave. Crazy place that Montana. Miss it. Had a great time camping out and fly-fishing there. Read more

Five Illuminating Minutes With Vancouver’s Busiest Man About Town, Fred Lee

Our friend Fred Lee, who pens the Fred UnLEEshed, Fred On The Town and City Life columns for the Vancouver Courier, TV Week and the National Post (respectively), seems have the uncanny ability to be everywhere in Vancouver all at once. That including the CBC, where he steps out every Monday morning for The Early Edition to dish on all of the city’s biggest and brightest do’s.  He is also the resident theatre reviewer for Shaw’s Urban Rush, and an Associate Director of Alumni Relations at UBC and Chair of UBC’s CampOUT for LGBT youth and their allies. Clearly, the man is busy, and we underscore that out of appreciation for the time he put aside to answer the following questions…

Three things about downtown that make you want to live there: I live at the Patina at Barclay & Burrard; literally at the centre of downtown Vancouver. From there you can walk to everywhere…West End, English Bay, Yaletown, Robson, Gastown, Crosstown, Kitsilano…it’s great.

Architectural style that you most identify with? Contemporary, clean, modern. Less clutter; keep it simple.

Three words that describe the vibe of your current living space: Bright, airy, and clean. My boyfriend will attest I am a bit of a neatnik!

What inspires you? Vancouverites inspire me. I am privileged to meet amazing people daily who give of their time, talent and treasure to support so many worthy causes and charities.

Describe your favourite photograph: My current Courier headshot. The one I am sending you with this piece. It’s the only photo I like of myself. It was a random photo someone sent which I cropped. I hate having my photo taken. That’s why I’m usually taking them.

Default drink: I am a java junkie; Starbucks snob some would say. Give me their tall red eye anytime (tall dark roast with an add shot of espresso). Harder stuff? Wine. One glass will do; I get that Asian flush after a glass. You can say I’m a cheap drunk.

When you can’t sleep: I’m usually in front of my laptop writing like I am right now, completing this questionnaire.

Favourite place to see live music: Deer Lake Park in Burnaby is beautiful

Cheap place for dinner? Café Gloucester on Cambie Street; it’s open late; usually
grabbing a late night nosh.

Book you’re reading: Can’t remember the last book I read…oh wait, it was Twilight. My girlfriend passed it along after she finished reading it. Took it along on my trip to Spain. I am more of a newspaper guy generally. I have to read my papers every morning.

Last place travelled? Pemberton, Outstanding in the Field at North Arm Farms; Amazing! Breathtaking! Now I know why they call it outstanding. Further afield, Maui for some much needed Vitamin D a few months ago. Apparently, summer is gonna start anytime now.

What is beauty? My mom. Read more

Seven Minutes With Influential Fashion Designer Dace Moore…

by Michelle Sproule | We’ve interviewed some pretty cool Vancouverites on Scout. Sometimes those cool people tell us about other cool people, and one name that keeps coming up is fashion designer Dace Moore. From her bio:

d a c e is the skill and creativity of fashion designer Dace Moore. Since its launch in 2001, d a c e has created a growing following. Moore’s designs posses a sassy sophistication with clean, modern lines and classic femininity. The collections are well constructed with attention to fit and detail. The pieces are versatile – designed to be flattering and subtly sexy, always fresh in their simplicity.

We know her clothes well enough, but hardly know the woman from Eve. And so…

Three things about False Creek that make you want to live there? 1) walking distance to my studio 2) the bike path 3) there are a lot of places to walk to when you just want to grab a bite to eat.

Three words that capture your design style? Simple, timeless, effortless.

You have been on the Vancouver design scene for a while now. From the perspective of a seasoned survivor of the sometimes fickle world of fashion, what are the indicators that a label will have staying power? Staying humble and hard work. Don’t expect things to just happen without all of the effort and energy that it takes to make it happen.

A summer 2011 item every girl should have? In Vancouver, a raincoat!

Your clothing has an international reputation. What keeps you anchored in Vancouver? Family, mountains and the challenge.

If there was a Dace soundtrack – what would it sound like? It would have to have some acoustic guitar. My father was a musician. The acoustic guitar sound reminds me of him.

Why is Vancouver a good city for independent design? It’s a city that’s full of life and talent.

Is there a local designer or artist that you admire above all others? Anna Decourcy, because her jewelry is almost like not wearing jewelry – if that makes sense.

Best Vancouver place to be inspired by emerging artistic talent? Gastown and the clothing boutiques there. One of A Few carries some clothing labels that are exclusive to her store. Some newbies and some oldies.

Three core beliefs have kept you going in this industry? Passion, rolling with the punches and determination

Three places you like to take out of town guests? Bike ride around the seawall as the sun is going down, hiking in Lynn Valley and my studio.

Last art show that really blew you away? Rennie Gallery, Richard Jackson: Collected Works.

Where do you enjoy shopping in Vancouver? I shop for vintage when I have the energy, otherwise Misch, One of a Few and Two of a Few.

Best place for dinner? I love eating at Bao Bei.

If you were to recommend a Vancouver personality for Scout to interview, who would it be? Anna Decourcy, she is really interesting, or Erin Templeton. She is very, very interesting (done it).

ALL INTERESTING VANCOUVERITES

Five Minutes With Restaurant Lifer Desmond Chen, President Of “Thai House Ventures”

Desmond Chen pretty much defines what it means to be a restaurant lifer. The proprietor and president of Thai House Ventures has been in the trade since he was a kid, working his way up the ranks to where he is now, operating Charm Modern Thai, Chilli House Thai Bistro, Urban Thai Bistro, and Alberni’s new Pink Elephant Thai.

Desmond’s story begins with that of his father, Patrick Chen, who immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1967. He studied at BCIT and worked front of house at the Pacific Palisades Hotel through the 1970′s before opening a string of Chinese restaurants, among them Richmond’s first, the Unicorn. His love affair with Thai food eventually led to five other restaurants, the first of them being Thai House on Robson (1986).

His son (Desmond is an only child) officially started in the family business as a dishwasher in Grade 8. As his father’s empire expanded, he did everything from driving deliveries and preparing sauces to waiting tables and wrestling with accounts.

The rest, as they say, is history…

First memory? Ordering Lobster for delivery from my father’s Chinese restaurant in Richmond when I was 8 years old.

The thing that you eat that is bad for you that you will never stop eating? Instant Ramen noodles.

Local bartender who could sell you anything? Shaun Layton [L'Abattoir].

Have you beat an addiction? Yes, smoking.

Scariest situation you’ve ever been in? At the age of 12 being hit by a Van running a red light while I was riding my bike crossing the street.

Unluckiest moment in your life? Being hit by a van.

What are you proud of? My family.

What makes you angry? Dishonest people. Read more

Smoke Break #859: Someone Please Bring “The Lexicon Of Sustainability” To Our City

Professional forager Tyler Gray of Mikuni Wild Harvest sent us this awesome clip yesterday from his office in New York. You should totally watch it, and not just because Tyler strips down to his underwear in the opening scene and wades out in the freezing water off Stanley park’s seawall on the hunt for fresh bull kelp. The photography book and video series, dubbed The Lexicon of Sustainability, will be making its way across the USA in a variety of pop-up shows. They’ve put a call out for 100 local curators. Perhaps one of our readers would like to bring it up to Vancouver? They want you to, and so do we! Spread the word…

Chatting With Gastown’s Alex Usow, Polymath And Geniephobe

Alex Usow is a one man art collective based in Gastown. Aside from being a gallery owner, restaurateur and retailer, he’s a self-taught artist who believes in ghosts and – in the proper lighting conditions – looks exactly like Denzel Washington. He’ll be showing at The Cheaper Show on Saturday night.

A one sentence artists statement to describe your work: Picture Godzilla trying to open one of those classic combination locks – “Turn the dial right, stop at 35, then left making sure to first pass 35 and stopping at FRIG I HAVE GIANT HANDS!”

Three things about Gastown that make you want to live there: I own three businesses in Gastown. Sharks & Hammers apparel store, Sea Monstr Sushi and Catalog Gallery / Creative agency. At this point I’ve basically forced myself to live here by investing in this neighborhood that I love.

Best Vancouver place to be inspired by emerging artistic talent? For me, there is no one place for inspiration. The art gallery with a terrible abbreviated name (the VAG) is always great for inspiration by established talent, but for emerging talent it’s best just to talk to other artists and check out local shows like the ones at my gallery and at the art schools here.

What inspires your creativity? I’m inspired by mistakes and small moments where our brain stops discursively thinking.

Vancouver can be a challenging city for an artist (collectors are rare, studio space is hard to come by and the cost of living is high). Why would an artist choose to be here? Artists are notorious for making bad decisions. I love Vancouver thought because of the infinite potential it allows you to have. We’re a top tier, first world city where inspired people have all avenues for success available to them. Unless we choose to complain instead of create and sleep instead of fight.

Last art show that really blew you away: I recently illegally downloaded a pirated version of Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child and it was rad.

Local artist you admire: I’m currently enjoying the work by Andrea Wan, Nomi Chi, Dan Climan, Andy Dixon and the terrible all city throw-ups by MR.8.

One thing you would like to change about the art scene in Vancouver: I think paint brush stems are too long. I always cut them down to size. Seriously, sometimes the stem’s over a foot long and I have no clue why. If we made our own short stem paint brushes for Vancouver we could establish a name for ourselves as a city of artists who vehemently don’t need long brush stems and are pro-actively proud of it. Other than that I wouldn’t change a thing. Except I would change the terrible abbreviated name of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Favourite way to get your hands dirty? Making dumplings.

How do you see Gastown changing over the next five years? Ideally, it will turn into a robot from outer space that can also transform into a truck. More likely it continue to walk the line between self-aware gentrification and a night time outdoor toilet for bridge and tunnelers. I’m good with all that but if we get a dog clothing store then I’m buying a pet alligator.

Are there any facets of your artistic identity that influence the way you approach business, or are the two sides mutually exclusive? Creativity in any of it’s forms is generally beneficial in problem solving, which is one way to define business. However, being emotional, aloof and loser drunk seems to work better in art than in business.

If the Mayor of Vancouver was a genie and could grant you three civic wishes, what would they be?  You don’t have to rub him…

1. Free citywide wifi
2. Dual Diagnosis Research Grants
3. Deport all genies

Words of wisdom for emerging artists living in Vancouver? Stay away from the brown acid and don’t give homeless people money – give them socks and Cheeseburgers.

MORE INTERESTING VANCOUVERITES

5 Minutes With Graeme Berglund, Founder & Creative Director Of “The Cheaper Show”

Three days and counting until The Cheaper Show rolls out their 2011 art sale on Saturday night. We expect the folks around their office are mad crazy dirty busy right about now, with none being busier than its Founder & Creative Director, artist Graeme Berglund. What better time, then to get in his way with a few questions?

Three things about your neighbourhood that make you want to live there: I’m a long standing Mt. Pleasant resident. My friends sometimes call me Two-block Shakur; for four years my home, my art studio, and any required amenities were within a four block radius. Mt. Pleasant is the neighborhood most densely populated with artists in North America. You can’t walk a block without seeing someone you know; and chances are they are an artist. Being in a community of such commonality and distinction it allows for great conversation and exchange of ideas. This aspect, plus having great coffee and being close to the water.  It’s a great hood.

Many people say that that Vancouver is not willing to spend money on art. Do you agree? When you spend money within the creative community, you are investing in the quality of your life. You are watching a beautifully written play. You are laughing your ass off at some improv. You are dancing in the club to the dirtiest southern rap ever invented. You are astounded by the timbre of the voice of the writer’s recital. You are witnessing the tormented swans at the ballet. You get hit in the head with a drumstick at the hardcore show. These experiences colour your life indelibly. I think people are starting to get a better understanding of this investment. The same is happening with purchasing art. There is a recognition that you don’t have to buy the print of the Eiffel Tower at Ikea. You can go to a gallery, buy a piece of art and invest in something legitimate. People are starting to invest more in the quality of their lives, living it by their own design.

How do you perceive the landscape of the city today as compared to when you started the Cheaper Show? Is it still hard for emerging artists to show in this city? I don’t think its ever been hard for artists to show. You just throw a show. The difference is that there are better venues and galleries coming up and surviving. Businesses are making an effort to bring in rotating series of artists for display. There is a greater sense of esteem attached to collecting art, even among younger patrons. There are more one night shows in uncommon locations. There is a higher focus on curation and presentation. The art that is coming out of the city right is incredible. The Cheaper Show functions to expose artists to a new base of potential clients and to introduce new buyers into the system. It is not difficult to buy art. Most artists post their work online. Google the name of an emerging artist’s work you’ve seen. Scan their flickr/tumblr page. Write them a message for a studio visit. Buy some work. Hang the work in your home. Show your friends. Inspire them to do the same.

What are you listening to as you answer these questions: The Weekend.

What inspires you? The people around me inspire me. I work with my best friends every day. The work we do brings community together and therefore inspires them. We are all like single teeth on the blade of a chainsaw and we’re carving a section of a fir tree into a bear. Now, we’re a bear. What’s up.

MORE INTERESTING VANCOUVERITES

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